I went back to work this week after a vacation that began with me finishing my first-and last-marathon. I finished a marathon! My co-workers all wanted to know "How was it?" I told them all the same thing-it was cold, windy, hilly, awesome, ....
What I didn't tell them is that I don't remember much of the run, not 26.2 miles worth anyway. I know it was cold, my hands were so swollen I thought they were going to explode, my legs were like jelly.. But all of those memories are like background noise. The most vivid memories are these:
The morning of the run I was terrified as we walked to the square to get on the bus. What in the world had I gotten myself into? As I approached the bus, my husband gave his best "win one for the Gipper" speech, "Keep your mind in it and remember that this is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life". Then he took my picture and I got on the bus.
Once on the bus, the three of us had to sit in separate seats. Not long into our ride "Big Sis" turned around and said to me,"You're my hero." Was this the same girl who as an adolescent only ran with me because she knew she would get a smoothie at the end? "Little Sis" who was in the seat behind me said, "I hope we get there pretty soon; it's stinky on this bus."
When we got to our destination, we were handed plastic garbage bags to protect us from the rain. During the two and a half hours we waited, we had plenty of time to find things to laugh about including the man who looked like Pinnochio. We probably should have conserved our energy...
Along the route we heard people say "Bravo Bravo Mom and Little Sis!" (we had those names on our shirts)
At mile 20 I looked over and saw my husband standing on the sidelines. He gave me a kiss and promised to meet me at the finish line.
I guess what I remember most is "Little Sis" never leaving my side even though I knew she could have left me in her dust. When people started dropping out and were getting on the rescue buses, she said, "Do you see those people getting on the bus? That is not going to be you Mom!"
As we entered the Olympic stadium, I saw my husband. I was exhausted, freezing, and near tears. The look on his face is one that I will never forget-later he told me he thought he was going to cry. At that moment, all the training and sacrifice to get there was justified; I was a marathoner! Embracing my two girls at the finish line was amazing! My husband was right; this will stay with me forever....
.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
It all starts with a dream...
The night before the Athens Classic Marathon I had a ridiculous pre-marathon dream. This happens all the time, where someone is preoccupied with something so much in waking hours that it takes over in sleeping hours as well. The dream went like this: I had a marathon to run and had to get up at 4 am - all three of boys were tagging along. It was a pot luck marathon so I had a huge crock pot full of chili I was carting along. I needed to drop off my youngest at the free babysitting services my church was providing for the marathon. No matter that the church is 30 minutes from where my "dream" marathon was to take place. I dropped him off and realized I needed to use the restroom. I sit down on a toilet and start to um...use it. All of a sudden I see that I am not in a bathroom stall but rather right out in the open - on a toilet sitting behind the welcome desk at my church. The toilet is there to promote clean drinking water around the world...there are nicely dressed ladies at church walking around the lobby and I am praying that nobody notices me. Next thing I know I am at the marathon - getting ready to start. I walk down some steps to the beach and see a huge puddle of water in the sand. I look down and see that I have forgotten my shoes...
Then I wake up. This is exactly the dream I had before I ran the Athens Marathon on Sunday. I woke up giggling and told Ryan all about it dispite it's ridiculousness.
Here is my other dream, and how it played out - this time in real life. At some point in my life, I don't remember when, I decided it would be neat to one day, before I die, run a marathon. Then one day, three years ago, I was in Marathon, Greece with my boys and hubby, and I thought, why not do the original route? My next thought was to call my mom, who had instilled in me my running habit at a young age and had always also talked about running a marathon one day. I knew that her feet had sidelined her a bit but thought I would dream big. Why not run the marathon with her? Then we can both accomplish this huge goal together. The dream got bigger. We somehow were able to talk my younger sister into joining us on our journey. All three of us, living in different parts of the country, all planning to fly to Greece to run 26.2 miles.
Then to make the dream a reality - two years of side jobs, pinching pennies to put into our travel jar, paying for one bit of the trip at a time. Finding generous friends and family to take care of our boys while we were away. Oh, and of course the running. Lots and lots of it!
Finally, my mom, sis and I were at the Runners Expo getting our awesome Adidas running shirts for the race and our bib numbers. We spent the day before touring the city and then ate a pre-race meal of pita and tzatziki. Our feet were sore, we were tired, but we were one step away from our goal!
On race day, the weather was low 40s and unseasonably cold for Athens. We took a bus to Marathon, where we spent 2 1/2 hours shivering, teeth chattering, waiting for our race to begin. I may have used up a bit of energy just freezing and waiting, with no where to get warm, no where to sit down. Cold winds and icy rain falling on us. I wore tights with a running skirt, short sleeved shirt, long sleeved shirt, a beanie hat and some hand/arm warmers I had fashioned out of a pair of striped socks I bought at the 99 cent store. I was still cold!
The race itself felt long - the hills started at about 5K, with winds at least 40 mph. Some of the wind was at our back until we hit the 24K mark, and then they started blowing against us and to the side. The wind and the cold were tough. At 20 miles the course began to go downhill which was when the running got hard for me. My stomach was nausious from GU and hunger pains and my back wasnt happy with the downhill pounding it was getting. I feel like I walked a lot that last bit.
At 27 K my hubby and step dad were there, cheering me on. Then at the end, I turned the corner into the Ancient Olympic Stadium, hit the straight-away and saw the hubby smiling and waving me on. I ran to the finish, like so many dreamers before me, and crossed through to the other side.
Then I wake up. This is exactly the dream I had before I ran the Athens Marathon on Sunday. I woke up giggling and told Ryan all about it dispite it's ridiculousness.
Here is my other dream, and how it played out - this time in real life. At some point in my life, I don't remember when, I decided it would be neat to one day, before I die, run a marathon. Then one day, three years ago, I was in Marathon, Greece with my boys and hubby, and I thought, why not do the original route? My next thought was to call my mom, who had instilled in me my running habit at a young age and had always also talked about running a marathon one day. I knew that her feet had sidelined her a bit but thought I would dream big. Why not run the marathon with her? Then we can both accomplish this huge goal together. The dream got bigger. We somehow were able to talk my younger sister into joining us on our journey. All three of us, living in different parts of the country, all planning to fly to Greece to run 26.2 miles.
Then to make the dream a reality - two years of side jobs, pinching pennies to put into our travel jar, paying for one bit of the trip at a time. Finding generous friends and family to take care of our boys while we were away. Oh, and of course the running. Lots and lots of it!
Finally, my mom, sis and I were at the Runners Expo getting our awesome Adidas running shirts for the race and our bib numbers. We spent the day before touring the city and then ate a pre-race meal of pita and tzatziki. Our feet were sore, we were tired, but we were one step away from our goal!
On race day, the weather was low 40s and unseasonably cold for Athens. We took a bus to Marathon, where we spent 2 1/2 hours shivering, teeth chattering, waiting for our race to begin. I may have used up a bit of energy just freezing and waiting, with no where to get warm, no where to sit down. Cold winds and icy rain falling on us. I wore tights with a running skirt, short sleeved shirt, long sleeved shirt, a beanie hat and some hand/arm warmers I had fashioned out of a pair of striped socks I bought at the 99 cent store. I was still cold!
The race itself felt long - the hills started at about 5K, with winds at least 40 mph. Some of the wind was at our back until we hit the 24K mark, and then they started blowing against us and to the side. The wind and the cold were tough. At 20 miles the course began to go downhill which was when the running got hard for me. My stomach was nausious from GU and hunger pains and my back wasnt happy with the downhill pounding it was getting. I feel like I walked a lot that last bit.
At 27 K my hubby and step dad were there, cheering me on. Then at the end, I turned the corner into the Ancient Olympic Stadium, hit the straight-away and saw the hubby smiling and waving me on. I ran to the finish, like so many dreamers before me, and crossed through to the other side.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
PR
All three of us are in Greece now! It was a long trip to get here - more than 24 hours of travelling in all but so fun when my mom and I met up in Holland and then met my little sis in the Athens airport!
It is now 2 am in the morning and I have terrible jetlag still after two days here. Somehow I am able to stay awake all day but it isnt helping me sleep at night. I need to officially wake up in 3 hours to get ready to head out to Marathon on the free bus shuttle from Athens.
It has been a fun trip so far filled with lots of good Greek food and culture. My mom, sister and I were talking today about the race though, and how this particular race will most likely not provide us with finish times worth bragging about.
First of all, my little sis is in a different start "block" than my mom and me. That means that she has to start 4-8 minutes up from us, cross the start line with her timing chip (due to the rules of this marathon), and then walk really really slowly until my mom catches up with her - therefore my awesome little sis who is sticking with my mom the entire way, will actually have a slower time than my mom by 4-8 minutes.
Also, the wind here is brutal - we actually almost got knocked off our feet a couple times on top of the Acropolis (I know, you feel so sorry for us, right?) :) It is super strong, gusty and wintery winds - our hope is that they will blow us UP those big hills, but we won't know until we start.
We chose one of the hilliest Marathons in the world. Not an ego booster time from that either.
Something that we did yesterday that you are really not supposed to do, is we toured and walked all over Athens all day until our feet were sore. This is our own fault and please if you want a PR do not follow in our footsteps!
The jetlag thing might not help either, but after writing this blog entry hopefully I will have bored myself back to sleep and all will be well again...
My mom had a great point last night as we were all just sort of hanging out and laughing together. We have not exactly set ourselves up for the fastest marathon times ever here. But since this is each of our alpha marathon (and for my mother, also her omega, according to her...), then each of us, regardless of time, will later today accomplish a Marathon PR for ourselves. And hey, as my hubby says, we will beat out at least 6 billion people in the world by just receiving a marathon time at all. That has to count for something, right? :)
It is now 2 am in the morning and I have terrible jetlag still after two days here. Somehow I am able to stay awake all day but it isnt helping me sleep at night. I need to officially wake up in 3 hours to get ready to head out to Marathon on the free bus shuttle from Athens.
It has been a fun trip so far filled with lots of good Greek food and culture. My mom, sister and I were talking today about the race though, and how this particular race will most likely not provide us with finish times worth bragging about.
First of all, my little sis is in a different start "block" than my mom and me. That means that she has to start 4-8 minutes up from us, cross the start line with her timing chip (due to the rules of this marathon), and then walk really really slowly until my mom catches up with her - therefore my awesome little sis who is sticking with my mom the entire way, will actually have a slower time than my mom by 4-8 minutes.
Also, the wind here is brutal - we actually almost got knocked off our feet a couple times on top of the Acropolis (I know, you feel so sorry for us, right?) :) It is super strong, gusty and wintery winds - our hope is that they will blow us UP those big hills, but we won't know until we start.
We chose one of the hilliest Marathons in the world. Not an ego booster time from that either.
Something that we did yesterday that you are really not supposed to do, is we toured and walked all over Athens all day until our feet were sore. This is our own fault and please if you want a PR do not follow in our footsteps!
The jetlag thing might not help either, but after writing this blog entry hopefully I will have bored myself back to sleep and all will be well again...
My mom had a great point last night as we were all just sort of hanging out and laughing together. We have not exactly set ourselves up for the fastest marathon times ever here. But since this is each of our alpha marathon (and for my mother, also her omega, according to her...), then each of us, regardless of time, will later today accomplish a Marathon PR for ourselves. And hey, as my hubby says, we will beat out at least 6 billion people in the world by just receiving a marathon time at all. That has to count for something, right? :)
Friday, November 4, 2011
Short and sweet
Got a confirmation email today with my bib number and pick up info for my registration packet. Yay!!!!!! Praying that Greece doesn't change currency or leadership until after we leave. Making sure our camera is in good working condition in case we catch something newsworthy in Athens or in Istanbul (course would like to come home safe and sound!). Wondering where the roller coaster ride for the US dollar is going to land while we are there...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
9 days, phew!
One funny thing that can happen when you register for an event (or book a hotel, or rent a car..) from another country is that sometimes the over-communication that we are used to in USA, doesn't happen. In the Middle East and in Eastern Europe especially we have found that we don't always get the confirmation emails that we would prefer to get. It isn't a criticism, just an observation of cultural difference.
Last March, when I registered for the Athens Classic Marathon, I didn't get a confirmation email. My husband reassured me that a bill appeared on our bank statement, but I always had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. A part of me believed I would get to Athens, go to the Expo, stand in line at the registration table, get to the front, and find out I am not actually registered. Then I would have to sit on my butt with a $3000 dollar marathon left un-run.
So imagine my relief when I received an email from the Marathon organizers earlier this week soliciting money for charity. I texted my mom and sister a very loud "PHEW!" (if texts can be loud, that is).
This week we are still in the taper and only 9 days away from our race. I have run three 1-hour runs this week and have one more to do - next week is even slower. I am focusing on hydrating, staying healthy, injury free and also spending time with my kiddos. I am usually thrilled to get time away from my boys, but the 10 days away from them is making me anxious and a little melancholy.
My mom seems to have her packing list well underway, and I have taken a step back in that department as my main focus has been preparing the house and the kids for our 10-day absence. I did send a care package to my mom and sis this week and finished the "gift" that we are exchanging at our celebratory, "we-finished-a-marathon-alive" dinner on Monday the 14th.
Tomorrow I am going in for a sports massage and then this weekend is cleaning and packing and a little running! The taper really baffles me I admit. It seems like not running is a bad idea...but if my Runner's World training schedule tells me not to run, then who am I to question?
Last March, when I registered for the Athens Classic Marathon, I didn't get a confirmation email. My husband reassured me that a bill appeared on our bank statement, but I always had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. A part of me believed I would get to Athens, go to the Expo, stand in line at the registration table, get to the front, and find out I am not actually registered. Then I would have to sit on my butt with a $3000 dollar marathon left un-run.
So imagine my relief when I received an email from the Marathon organizers earlier this week soliciting money for charity. I texted my mom and sister a very loud "PHEW!" (if texts can be loud, that is).
This week we are still in the taper and only 9 days away from our race. I have run three 1-hour runs this week and have one more to do - next week is even slower. I am focusing on hydrating, staying healthy, injury free and also spending time with my kiddos. I am usually thrilled to get time away from my boys, but the 10 days away from them is making me anxious and a little melancholy.
My mom seems to have her packing list well underway, and I have taken a step back in that department as my main focus has been preparing the house and the kids for our 10-day absence. I did send a care package to my mom and sis this week and finished the "gift" that we are exchanging at our celebratory, "we-finished-a-marathon-alive" dinner on Monday the 14th.
Tomorrow I am going in for a sports massage and then this weekend is cleaning and packing and a little running! The taper really baffles me I admit. It seems like not running is a bad idea...but if my Runner's World training schedule tells me not to run, then who am I to question?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
14 days to go...
This past week was the start of our three week "taper." I did two 5 mile runs, a one hour spin class, a two mile run and then today I ran 14 miles. I felt good all week although I have that nagging feeling that many runners get during the taper, that they aren't running enough.
I checked the athens classic marathon website and read that there are 14 days until the race. What?! Yes, just two weeks away - hard to believe! The temperature in Athens is highs in the low 60s and Istanbul seems to be a tad bit cooler than that...hopefully this week I can actually start to do the girly, wardrobe-planning thing.
Today a funny thing happened though - I ate a normal pre-race meal of toast with peanut butter, banana and honey, with some coffee. But then realized that with all the Halloween and School Fall Festival prep last week, I still had no GUs. So, McGyver style, I used what I could find to pull off a running replenishment miracle. I filled my fanny pack with two fig newton cookies, four candy corns I found in the bottom of my tea canister (they were from last year...eww!), and for good measure, two sugar packets. Then I filled a water bottle with Gatorade, grabbed my hyper dog, and went for a run.
It was one of the best runs I have had in a while! I am seriously considering ditching the Gu/Cliff Gel thing altogether, because I know they upset my tummy. I just thought of them as miracle food, and thought maybe they could run the last 8 miles of the marathon for me. I'm not even kidding there. However, in order to take in enough of the icky sugar gels to help me, it ends up tying my stomach in knots so I can't even stand straight. The cookies and candy and gatorade seemed to do the trick just fine and I felt strong for the entire run.
Of course, 14 miles feels like small potatoes after running 19, but it was nice all the same. Also I am happy to report that my hyper dog turned into a pokie little puppy by about mile 10 and I had to drag his butt down the mountain that we ran up today (in the sun!). Sometimes it seems like he can never get worn down and even though now he seems fully recovered and hyper again, 12 hours later, at least for a few miles today I felt like I actually tired him out.
So, with 14 days to go I am still learning and tweaking my training plan. I understand why people swear to never run another marathon after they run their first marathon. The time, the running and the training are brutal (and all those porta potties!!). But I also understand why people run their first, and then start to plan their second marathon. Learning is a process and until you run those 26.2 miles, I don't think you will ever be fully prepared to run 26.2 miles. We'll see after the race which camp I fall into - maybe both!
I checked the athens classic marathon website and read that there are 14 days until the race. What?! Yes, just two weeks away - hard to believe! The temperature in Athens is highs in the low 60s and Istanbul seems to be a tad bit cooler than that...hopefully this week I can actually start to do the girly, wardrobe-planning thing.
Today a funny thing happened though - I ate a normal pre-race meal of toast with peanut butter, banana and honey, with some coffee. But then realized that with all the Halloween and School Fall Festival prep last week, I still had no GUs. So, McGyver style, I used what I could find to pull off a running replenishment miracle. I filled my fanny pack with two fig newton cookies, four candy corns I found in the bottom of my tea canister (they were from last year...eww!), and for good measure, two sugar packets. Then I filled a water bottle with Gatorade, grabbed my hyper dog, and went for a run.
It was one of the best runs I have had in a while! I am seriously considering ditching the Gu/Cliff Gel thing altogether, because I know they upset my tummy. I just thought of them as miracle food, and thought maybe they could run the last 8 miles of the marathon for me. I'm not even kidding there. However, in order to take in enough of the icky sugar gels to help me, it ends up tying my stomach in knots so I can't even stand straight. The cookies and candy and gatorade seemed to do the trick just fine and I felt strong for the entire run.
Of course, 14 miles feels like small potatoes after running 19, but it was nice all the same. Also I am happy to report that my hyper dog turned into a pokie little puppy by about mile 10 and I had to drag his butt down the mountain that we ran up today (in the sun!). Sometimes it seems like he can never get worn down and even though now he seems fully recovered and hyper again, 12 hours later, at least for a few miles today I felt like I actually tired him out.
So, with 14 days to go I am still learning and tweaking my training plan. I understand why people swear to never run another marathon after they run their first marathon. The time, the running and the training are brutal (and all those porta potties!!). But I also understand why people run their first, and then start to plan their second marathon. Learning is a process and until you run those 26.2 miles, I don't think you will ever be fully prepared to run 26.2 miles. We'll see after the race which camp I fall into - maybe both!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Confession
Well, I am officially a wimp.
Last week I was a working mom and spent five nights up till midnight working on a catering job I had on Friday night. I also ran my 6 mile run, did some plyometrics, did sprints, and did a nice tempo run plus hills for 8.5 miles. Then the Friday of my event, I ran a quick 5 miles. My running was on schedule, my chocolate mousse was made, my key lime components, frostings and cake pops were ready to go. By the time I finished my 5 mile run on Friday morning I felt on schedule, and good to go. I had even been a good mom all week, staying up late so that the boys didn't have to see me working too much.
All I had left to do was finish the final components of my dessert, attend the wedding (who happened to be of close family friends), set up the dessert buffet, and after the wedding head on home to crash in bed.
Oh, and then run 20 miles.
If I were catholic, this would be my confession. I did not run my 20 miles this weekend. I have run 18 miles twice and 19 miles once. I have run hundreds and hundreds of miles over the past year to first prepare for my half marathon last May, and then to prepare for this upcoming Marathon. But I did not run my 20 miles this weekend. I started to question my discipline right after my five miler on Friday morning. In the shower at the YMCA, by some weird freak accident, my razor sliced three long scratches into each of my shins while shaving. It stung. A lot. And when I run, I sweat out salt. A lot. So much, in fact, that I have to basically scrape off the salt crust from my body when I am done. The thought of pouring salted sweat all over the cuts in my legs was not sounding too good. Who ever even CONSIDERS the pain one might feel when salt is poured over a freak shaving accident induced wound on ones legs? I have not read one thing in Runners World about that.
Then at the wedding, they had the most amazing food ever. It was chips (greasy) and salsa (spicy) and beans (fiber) and chicken enchiladas (protein). Hmm....I savored every non-carbohydrated bite of it. And the thought crossed my mind again, that perhaps running 20 miles in the morning on the most unsuitable pre-race meal ever might be a bad idea...or at least a really bad experience in the making.
The thought also occurred to me, that I was out of Gus. And then the other thought occurred to me that I had stayed up past midnight (for me this is WAY past bedtime) and on my feet for five nights in a row.
And on Saturday morning, I stayed in bed until 9 am. I drank lots of lots of coffee. And I sat around the house all day basically doing nothing.
Now I have a decision to make, as we are now about three weeks out from the Marathon. Do I do the 20 miler next weekend? Do I do four, 5-mile runs and say I ran 20 miles only in increments? This is the start of the taper, but sadly I have the 20 miler hanging over my head now. My plan as of this writing is to run four good, hard runs this week and then on Saturday, I will see how I feel. This is my first marathon and my goal is to finish, not to get an amazing time or a PR (although technically no matter what it will be my best ever marathon time!).
I think in marathon training as with any distance race training it is important for us recreational runners to be easy on ourselves. We run and we run and we follow our plans but there will be great running days and then days we just aren't feeling up to it. Some days we don't want any more rice and oatmeal, or sticky carb gel-type food. Some days our feet hurt, or we get the flu, or we have to get up early to take our kids to school. That's okay. Obviously the hope is that there are more good days than bad. I feel like most of the posts are about the days that are hard, but there are some really fast, fun running days in the mix too. I plan on seeing a lot of good days in the weeks ahead!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Easy Effort Days (aka Piece of Cake)
The human body is so fascinating in how it can adapt and grow stronger. There was a time, when my heart would race and my lungs would feel like bursting at 2 miles. Yesterday, it took 12 miles of hills to get me to that point! Another thing I notice, is that after running hills for a few days in a row, I can run on a flat surface much easier. It is an easier effort.
Similarly, when I run errands with my four year old, things tend to be more difficult and tiring (gotta get stickers and a sucker from trader joes...got to get the car seat situated, got to stop for potty breaks, got to say "no, because you dont NEED another matchbox airplane!!" ) So when I run errands without my four year old, things just go quickly and smoothly and again, my effort level seems much lower.
Today was a day that, a few months ago, I would have described as a really, really busy day. I would have been tired by now. But marathon training has changed my perspective some.
Yesterday, I ran 18 miles, 12 of which were uphill. The Gu's upset my stomach and I was tired and grouchy by the end of the run. Poor hubby went along on his bike for the first time (and possibly now the last!) to hand me water and Gu's on request. Unfortunately I was not a happy camper for the latter half of the run. We had driven to the beach, went our 18 miles, spent about 30 minutes back at the beach - Ryan, watching the surfers ride the waves...me, laying in the grass waiting to die (only a slight exaggeration, I assure you). Then to the grocery store to get chocolate milk. By the time we got home, and I had showered, iced my legs, taken my ibuprofen, slept and then found enough leg strength to get downstairs for dinner, the day was done. And THAT was a typical long run day for me.
Which brings me to today. After a long run day, just as after a hill run, or a toddler errand run, a non-run day feels like a piece of cake. Here is a glimpse of what my easy day consisted of: waking up and teaching my 11 year old how to make french toast for the family. Playing with my 4 year old. Going to the produce store for leeks and stopping at Trader Joes for this weeks groceries plus the inevitable impulse buys. Doing all the laundry and scrubbing the house from top to bottom (that one took a while!). Making a homemade apple pie and also some mini apple crisps for friends who have been under the weather. Going out on a "bagel date" with my oldest son to catch up on life. Cutting up a butternut squash while talking to a friend who has been in the hospital all week. Then making homemade butternut squash soup with cider cream for dinner with some fresh baked ciabatta bread and tomato - lentil bruschetta. Entertaining the 4 year old neighbor girl for a bit. Going for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner with hubby, boys and dog. Watching the Disney channel with the older boys and tucking in the little guy.
Such an easy, fun, NON-RUN sort of day! Doing the laundry alone is usually a drudgery for me. But today I felt almost lazy in that I had so much leisure time. Granted, running is supposed to feel like a leisure activity too. But trust me, by the last few weeks of marathon training, running feels like anything but leisure!
I enjoyed my day today but tomorrow it is back to training again. Five days of the next seven I will be running. I am also catering 300 desserts for a wedding on Friday, but hopefully after the running days, that will indeed feel like a (okay and look like one too I hope!) piece of cake!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Ramblin' On
One month from today, I will be a "former marathoner". I have to admit, the "former" part is what keeps me going during those painful long runs. I just imagine my friends-especially those who are my age (57.5 years)-saying "I could never do that", "Wow-a marathon, I'm impressed!"- you get the idea. Then I quickly ask the Lord to forgive me for my lack of humility..... I also ask Him to help me do this, to be a blessing to my girls, and to enjoy the experience.
I love to travel. I have been extraordinarily blessed to have had some fabulous experiences with my children- Pro Bowls in Hawaii when my Seahawks quarterback played, Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, getting lost in Stanley Park. I've also seen giraffes in the African wild with my son-in-law, New Year's Eve in London as Big Ben struck midnight.... This trip to Athens will be added to my list. Somehow, I think that this one will be a little different. Yes, I will be reading the "things to do in Athens" forum on Trip Advisor, yes, I will write lists of "what to pack" and yes, I will plan fun activities for the trip. But-knowing the pain, sacrifice, and commitment that has characterized the road to Athens somehow elevates this trip to another level. Imagining entering the stadium in Athens and joining my two little girls in celebrating this feat surpasses all other vacation planning for me...
I read in Runner's World a term for chubby runners, but I can't remember what it was. Whatever it is, it would describe me. Sometimes when I tell people that I am training for a marathon-because my training book says be sure and tell everyone-they look at me like I am at least delusional and at most a (big fat) liar. Can I help it if the Menopause Fairy has bestowed upon me a zero metabolism? For the most part it doesn't bother me because I know I am fit, but I do kinda wonder when I am at the starting line in Athens if people will think I'm an imposter....
"It's a marathon, not a sprint". People always say that when they're giving you permission to take your time or to not worry about immediate results. I've always thought that those words are intended to decrease anxiety, to relax... Really?
So these are a few of my running ramblings.... 18 miles this weekend-I'm sure I'll have some more to share...
I love to travel. I have been extraordinarily blessed to have had some fabulous experiences with my children- Pro Bowls in Hawaii when my Seahawks quarterback played, Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, getting lost in Stanley Park. I've also seen giraffes in the African wild with my son-in-law, New Year's Eve in London as Big Ben struck midnight.... This trip to Athens will be added to my list. Somehow, I think that this one will be a little different. Yes, I will be reading the "things to do in Athens" forum on Trip Advisor, yes, I will write lists of "what to pack" and yes, I will plan fun activities for the trip. But-knowing the pain, sacrifice, and commitment that has characterized the road to Athens somehow elevates this trip to another level. Imagining entering the stadium in Athens and joining my two little girls in celebrating this feat surpasses all other vacation planning for me...
I read in Runner's World a term for chubby runners, but I can't remember what it was. Whatever it is, it would describe me. Sometimes when I tell people that I am training for a marathon-because my training book says be sure and tell everyone-they look at me like I am at least delusional and at most a (big fat) liar. Can I help it if the Menopause Fairy has bestowed upon me a zero metabolism? For the most part it doesn't bother me because I know I am fit, but I do kinda wonder when I am at the starting line in Athens if people will think I'm an imposter....
"It's a marathon, not a sprint". People always say that when they're giving you permission to take your time or to not worry about immediate results. I've always thought that those words are intended to decrease anxiety, to relax... Really?
So these are a few of my running ramblings.... 18 miles this weekend-I'm sure I'll have some more to share...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Importance of the Cross-train
As I last noted, this week I am taking time off from running. And not just running, but from wearing shoes altogether! Sometimes I tend to vent the hardships of marathon training without mentioning the positives. So, because I am wearing sandals this week, it forced me to rethink my training and as a result, reminded me of a very, very valuable tool. The cross-train.
When I trained for my first 10 K race, I did it without running a single step for the three months leading up to race day. I had started off training, and then right away had started feeling sharp pains in my bum knee (I have a bum knee, back and hip flexor...why I am a runner I have no idea). I spent the next three months in spin class, swimming laps in the pool, and weight training. Spin class taught me to get my heart rate up high and improved my cardiovascular ability and endurance. Laps in the pool strengthened my core, my shoulders and again my lung capacity. Weight training strengthened the muscles around my knee so that it was better supported as well as improving all over strength and muscle tone.
On race day, I ran every inch of the 6 miler (10 K) and did it feeling strong and pain free.
Many race training plans include different types of running, but no true cross training days. My plan for the marathon doesn't include cross training at all. It includes hill running, sprinting, long runs, tempo runs and rest days. All of those things help to work out different muscles and improve different aspects of my running. However, I have noticed the last month that I am losing muscle tone as I increase mileage and run longer and slower. Plus I am starting to get bored with running even though I trust I will never truly lose my love of the sport. There is a greater pressure now as the race draws near to take care of my body and to avoid injury and fatigue, and I believe now is a great time to reinstate some different workouts into my week.
In particular, this week I am doing yoga, pilates and barefoot plyometrics, as well as a whole lot of lunges. My heart rate is getting up there, I am sweating, but also improving my muscle tone, core and flexibility - things I know I under-emphasize. If my ankle is healed enough by Saturday, I am planning to do my 19 mile run again - this time with my hubby on his bike beside me (I will just call him my Gu and Water-boy). :) I actually think I will be able to do it, and will probably enjoy the run more.
I find myself seeing the bright side of my heel injury this week. The three of us have also been collaborating on cute "Girls on the Run" T-shirts this week which has reminded us of one of the fun perks of running a marathon with a group. I am glad for those reminders!
When I trained for my first 10 K race, I did it without running a single step for the three months leading up to race day. I had started off training, and then right away had started feeling sharp pains in my bum knee (I have a bum knee, back and hip flexor...why I am a runner I have no idea). I spent the next three months in spin class, swimming laps in the pool, and weight training. Spin class taught me to get my heart rate up high and improved my cardiovascular ability and endurance. Laps in the pool strengthened my core, my shoulders and again my lung capacity. Weight training strengthened the muscles around my knee so that it was better supported as well as improving all over strength and muscle tone.
On race day, I ran every inch of the 6 miler (10 K) and did it feeling strong and pain free.
Many race training plans include different types of running, but no true cross training days. My plan for the marathon doesn't include cross training at all. It includes hill running, sprinting, long runs, tempo runs and rest days. All of those things help to work out different muscles and improve different aspects of my running. However, I have noticed the last month that I am losing muscle tone as I increase mileage and run longer and slower. Plus I am starting to get bored with running even though I trust I will never truly lose my love of the sport. There is a greater pressure now as the race draws near to take care of my body and to avoid injury and fatigue, and I believe now is a great time to reinstate some different workouts into my week.
In particular, this week I am doing yoga, pilates and barefoot plyometrics, as well as a whole lot of lunges. My heart rate is getting up there, I am sweating, but also improving my muscle tone, core and flexibility - things I know I under-emphasize. If my ankle is healed enough by Saturday, I am planning to do my 19 mile run again - this time with my hubby on his bike beside me (I will just call him my Gu and Water-boy). :) I actually think I will be able to do it, and will probably enjoy the run more.
I find myself seeing the bright side of my heel injury this week. The three of us have also been collaborating on cute "Girls on the Run" T-shirts this week which has reminded us of one of the fun perks of running a marathon with a group. I am glad for those reminders!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sidelined
****Warning...this post talks about blood...eww!
So, I didn't mention that after my 18 mile run the other day, I had a gaping hole in the back of my heel from my new, unbroken-in shoes. The first pair of shoes I bought back in May also needed to be broken in, but I was only running an hour or so at a time. This time around, I am running more than 3 hours at a time!
My body had gone into it's Novocaine-induced numbness at some point in the run and I didn't realize that my shoe was rubbing a larger and larger wound into my foot the longer I went. When I got home and pulled off my shoes, I found a large amount of blood in my shoes and socks and again, the hole.
The problem with a hole in the back of your ankle that has been created by the shape of your running shoe, is that when you put that running shoe back on, it perfectly fits over that hole again. I am kicking myself because I have been so good to protect my muscles while training that I completely overlooked my flesh (except for occasional chaffing issues). On Monday I ran 5 miles with tears streaming down my face I was in so much pain, all the while annoyed at myself for being such a baby. Unfortunately, the injury is not healing as quickly as I would like and isn't scabbing over, as it is too deep still.
That said, I am not making a huge dent in my 169 miles this week which is frustrating to me. My friend made a good point today though. She asked me "would you rather keep opening up this wound and run the marathon injured? Or would you rather take a few days off and heal and start again?"
I got some socks that cover my ankles and some good pads to put around the cut (if you can call it a cut...it really is more of a hole).
Please, please don't make the same mistake as me and run 18 miles in new shoes with no-show socks. There are just so many details to keep in mind when running a long race like this. It's hard to remember it all!
So I will keep you updated. For now I am frustrated to be sitting out the next couple days. However it is giving me time to think through my running outfit and my travel wardrobe which has been a decent consolation.
In fact, I will post soon about the fashion side of this trip. And hopefully Mom and Sis can add their two cents as well!
So, I didn't mention that after my 18 mile run the other day, I had a gaping hole in the back of my heel from my new, unbroken-in shoes. The first pair of shoes I bought back in May also needed to be broken in, but I was only running an hour or so at a time. This time around, I am running more than 3 hours at a time!
My body had gone into it's Novocaine-induced numbness at some point in the run and I didn't realize that my shoe was rubbing a larger and larger wound into my foot the longer I went. When I got home and pulled off my shoes, I found a large amount of blood in my shoes and socks and again, the hole.
The problem with a hole in the back of your ankle that has been created by the shape of your running shoe, is that when you put that running shoe back on, it perfectly fits over that hole again. I am kicking myself because I have been so good to protect my muscles while training that I completely overlooked my flesh (except for occasional chaffing issues). On Monday I ran 5 miles with tears streaming down my face I was in so much pain, all the while annoyed at myself for being such a baby. Unfortunately, the injury is not healing as quickly as I would like and isn't scabbing over, as it is too deep still.
That said, I am not making a huge dent in my 169 miles this week which is frustrating to me. My friend made a good point today though. She asked me "would you rather keep opening up this wound and run the marathon injured? Or would you rather take a few days off and heal and start again?"
I got some socks that cover my ankles and some good pads to put around the cut (if you can call it a cut...it really is more of a hole).
Please, please don't make the same mistake as me and run 18 miles in new shoes with no-show socks. There are just so many details to keep in mind when running a long race like this. It's hard to remember it all!
So I will keep you updated. For now I am frustrated to be sitting out the next couple days. However it is giving me time to think through my running outfit and my travel wardrobe which has been a decent consolation.
In fact, I will post soon about the fashion side of this trip. And hopefully Mom and Sis can add their two cents as well!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Long Road to Marathon
I don't remember reading anywhere that a Marathon is really, really long. Okay, I am sure I did read something like that somewhere, but I think my brain didn't want to register it so that I would start the journey.
Here is what I mean. The thought of finishing a 26.2 mile run sounds so great. It is an amazing accomplishment, worthy of the bucket list, all bragging rights and back-patting. We make it our goal, looking forward to the end and the great feeling you will have when it is all done. But somehow the reality of training doesn't register - not completely, anyway.
I remember my first half marathon, where the last 2 miles was very difficult for me. I refused to walk, but therefore dragged my feet in a little shuffle-run, while the speed walkers passed me by. I finished at a jog and then promised myself I would NEVER run 13.1 miles again because it is just plain stupid. At the time, my protective (or in-denial) brain forgot to remind me that if I was going to run a marathon one day, I would indeed have to run 13.1 miles again. In fact many, many times.
I calculated the number of miles my training schedule has me running in the 16-week plan. A total of approximately 489 miles, give or take. To get to the starting line at the Athens Marathon, I first need to RUN nearly 500 miles. That is even farther than Phidippides, the first ever marathon runner. He ran 100 miles to Marathon and then ran 25 plus miles from there to Athens to announce victory against the Persians, and then he died.
Granted he probably didn't spread that first 100 miles out over several weeks, and he may have not properly hydrated or had a sufficient number of Gu's in his little runner's fanny pack. But I can't pretend I am not a bit worried, because 500 miles is a long road to Marathon, Greece. And that doesn't even include that last little bit, the 26.2 mile finish!
For those of you contemplating a marathon, be warned. You will have to run a lot to prepare for the race. The 26 miles will start to feel like a small blip on the radar when you consider the number of miles you will run to get there. The accomplishment is in the journey to the start-line, the finish is really just where you get to pick up your finisher's medal. Yesterday I ran 18 miles in a little more than 3 hours. I spent 3 hours of my life running around my town and there were no water stations, no cheering bystanders, no beer garden and free goodie bags waiting at the end. It was just my house, dinner waiting to be made, kids to be picked up at school, errands to run. There is so little fanfare for those first 500 miles, it just seems wrong. 18 miles is HUGE.
I counted up and I now have 169 miles left to go of my 500. And less than 5 weeks to run them (in fact most of it happens in the next three weeks!). I have always been a destination gal more than a journey gal. I don't stop and smell the roses, I just want to get to where I am going and say "been there, done that." But in training for this Marathon I am gaining appreciation for the journey, mostly because it is not a quick one. Not a short one. Yes, I am excited to cross the finish line and get my finishers medal and free bagel. I will most likely immediately pull out my to-do list for the day and make a big point of crossing "Marathon" off the list. But I think on November 13, 2011, it will be the journey that I will be most proud of. I am not there yet, however, and still have to get moving on my 169...wish me luck!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tough
Some days, running is just plain tough. Last week was my easy week where I felt like I barely ran at all. Today, I was supposed to run 13 miles but I didn't realize it until I woke up this morning and checked my run schedule. I worked all weekend on a catering job and usually after I cater I wake up the next day feeling like I was hit by a truck. And this morning was no exception!
So, by the time I got to the YMCA and checked in the four year old, it was already warm and sunny out. I had forgotten Gu or gatorade. I had forgotten my sunscreen. I didn't feel like running indoors on the treadmill for 13 miles.
So I went out on the trail, lamenting the sun exposure and freckles/sun spots appearing on my upper arms. I figured I would just run until I didn't feel like it anymore. Unfortunately, at about 200 yards I didn't feel like it anymore. So I scratched that idea and instead decided to run until I felt I had done a respectable distance. Which is very relative.
At about four miles, I looked up and saw three hawks flying in circles overhead. I wondered what they might be circling...and then the thought hit me..."maybe they are circling me!" After all, at that point I was sweating profusely, dragging my feet, panting and probably looking like a dying animal of some sort. At four miles!
I found a bit of shade and ran in it for as long as I could. It was uphill for about a mile. Ran by some crows sitting on a fence...watching me. I think they had gotten word from the hawks that I would be passing by. I gave them a steely stare as if to say, go find your breakfast somewhere else, punks!
The nice part of the uphill was that I turned around and went downhill for that same mile. Got to the Y again at 7 miles and called it a day. I ate a sugar packet from the coffee cart in the lobby and stretched. Last week I ran the same time but ran 9 miles instead of 7. I don't remember seeing the hawks last week either.
Some days are tough. That is the reality of training for a race as long as 26.2 miles. You just have to shake it off and start again tomorrow, but there is no option to give up. The goal is set and I can't ask Greece to reschedule for another day, or year...(ok well there is always another year but our plane tickets are bought!). Hopefully tomorrow there will be a bit more pep in my step!
So, by the time I got to the YMCA and checked in the four year old, it was already warm and sunny out. I had forgotten Gu or gatorade. I had forgotten my sunscreen. I didn't feel like running indoors on the treadmill for 13 miles.
So I went out on the trail, lamenting the sun exposure and freckles/sun spots appearing on my upper arms. I figured I would just run until I didn't feel like it anymore. Unfortunately, at about 200 yards I didn't feel like it anymore. So I scratched that idea and instead decided to run until I felt I had done a respectable distance. Which is very relative.
At about four miles, I looked up and saw three hawks flying in circles overhead. I wondered what they might be circling...and then the thought hit me..."maybe they are circling me!" After all, at that point I was sweating profusely, dragging my feet, panting and probably looking like a dying animal of some sort. At four miles!
I found a bit of shade and ran in it for as long as I could. It was uphill for about a mile. Ran by some crows sitting on a fence...watching me. I think they had gotten word from the hawks that I would be passing by. I gave them a steely stare as if to say, go find your breakfast somewhere else, punks!
The nice part of the uphill was that I turned around and went downhill for that same mile. Got to the Y again at 7 miles and called it a day. I ate a sugar packet from the coffee cart in the lobby and stretched. Last week I ran the same time but ran 9 miles instead of 7. I don't remember seeing the hawks last week either.
Some days are tough. That is the reality of training for a race as long as 26.2 miles. You just have to shake it off and start again tomorrow, but there is no option to give up. The goal is set and I can't ask Greece to reschedule for another day, or year...(ok well there is always another year but our plane tickets are bought!). Hopefully tomorrow there will be a bit more pep in my step!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Will Cook For Shoes
My husband and I live in Southern California on a modest income. Cost of living here is high, and our three boys like to eat. So, you may be wondering, (and if you aren't I am going to tell you anyway) how we can afford to get our butts on a plane and visit Athens and run 26.2 miles there.
Let me tell you, Athens aside, running is NOT an inexpensive sport. People may try to convince you that it is, but they lie. Okay, if you are young and have no knee or foot or back issues. If you don't care about the future health of your body. If you don't mind looking like you were in a wet t-shirt contest after a three mile run. If you slather yourself with vaseline or Body Glide when you run, and if you never actually want to run a race - then I suppose it might be less expensive. Because then you can wear the same pair of cheap-o shoes for years on end, skip the dry-wicking shirts and non-chafing shorts, and just enjoy running the neighborhood without taking any vitamins or receiving any medals to hang. And admittedly, that was my running style for many years and running was a cheap sport.
Unfortunately now that I am older, I require much more maintenance and need to find a way to bankroll this so-called inexpensive hobby of mine.
Ironically, I cater on the side in order to pay for running. The other day, I made 300 snickerdoodles for a company luncheon, using a very large amount of butter. The next day I got a shiny new pair of Brooks Ravenna 2's and then ran 19 miles and burned 2000 calories. Last year, I catered a big party and then soon after paid for my marathon registration in Athens, Greece. Little bits and pieces at a time, but thankfully things keep coming up that help me to continue on.
I always tell people that I have three main passions in life (lets assume family is one too) - God, Running and Food. And then I say that the last two sort of cancel each other out which leaves the first and most important. But really, although I do love healthy eating and cooking, you will never catch me bad-mouthing a dark chocolate cupcake with salted caramel frosting. Or a buffet pasta dish with carmelized onions, rosemary and gorgonzola. Because that cupcake, and that pasta is going to help get me to the finish line in Greece.
And for that I am forever grateful!
Let me tell you, Athens aside, running is NOT an inexpensive sport. People may try to convince you that it is, but they lie. Okay, if you are young and have no knee or foot or back issues. If you don't care about the future health of your body. If you don't mind looking like you were in a wet t-shirt contest after a three mile run. If you slather yourself with vaseline or Body Glide when you run, and if you never actually want to run a race - then I suppose it might be less expensive. Because then you can wear the same pair of cheap-o shoes for years on end, skip the dry-wicking shirts and non-chafing shorts, and just enjoy running the neighborhood without taking any vitamins or receiving any medals to hang. And admittedly, that was my running style for many years and running was a cheap sport.
Unfortunately now that I am older, I require much more maintenance and need to find a way to bankroll this so-called inexpensive hobby of mine.
Ironically, I cater on the side in order to pay for running. The other day, I made 300 snickerdoodles for a company luncheon, using a very large amount of butter. The next day I got a shiny new pair of Brooks Ravenna 2's and then ran 19 miles and burned 2000 calories. Last year, I catered a big party and then soon after paid for my marathon registration in Athens, Greece. Little bits and pieces at a time, but thankfully things keep coming up that help me to continue on.
I always tell people that I have three main passions in life (lets assume family is one too) - God, Running and Food. And then I say that the last two sort of cancel each other out which leaves the first and most important. But really, although I do love healthy eating and cooking, you will never catch me bad-mouthing a dark chocolate cupcake with salted caramel frosting. Or a buffet pasta dish with carmelized onions, rosemary and gorgonzola. Because that cupcake, and that pasta is going to help get me to the finish line in Greece.
And for that I am forever grateful!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Loyal Little Sister
I guess I should introduce myself as the “bad” of the good, bad, and the ugly. Sara really is the mastermind behind this whole marathon thing. Being the loyal little sister that I am, I agreed to put my body through the torture of running 26.2 miles.
My training really has no rhyme or reason to it as I am basically a follower. If Mom says she’s running 16 miles this weekend, then I guess I am, too. My longest run so far was at the Virginia Beach half marathon over Labor Day weekend. There were bands of all genres playing along the route to take my mind off the pain. It was so much fun that I am going to sign up for it again next year. I also ran into Bret Michaels (literally) so that was pretty exciting. What were his body guards doing anyway?
As a Soldier in the Army, we don’t really run more than 5-6 miles during mandatory physical training (PT) for an hour every morning from 0630-0730. Aside from that, I have virtually no self-discipline to do anything physically active. I have no discipline with my diet either. So far, my post run meals have been all-you-can-eat buffets. I do enjoy them, and I always get my money’s worth. : )
Since I was feeling like crap this weekend, I ran about 4 miles, turned around and went home. I’m planning on running 16 miles tomorrow. Whatever happens, I will blog to let you know what happens. Hopefully my Brooks Ghost 4s will be on my porch when I get home tonight…
My training really has no rhyme or reason to it as I am basically a follower. If Mom says she’s running 16 miles this weekend, then I guess I am, too. My longest run so far was at the Virginia Beach half marathon over Labor Day weekend. There were bands of all genres playing along the route to take my mind off the pain. It was so much fun that I am going to sign up for it again next year. I also ran into Bret Michaels (literally) so that was pretty exciting. What were his body guards doing anyway?
As a Soldier in the Army, we don’t really run more than 5-6 miles during mandatory physical training (PT) for an hour every morning from 0630-0730. Aside from that, I have virtually no self-discipline to do anything physically active. I have no discipline with my diet either. So far, my post run meals have been all-you-can-eat buffets. I do enjoy them, and I always get my money’s worth. : )
Since I was feeling like crap this weekend, I ran about 4 miles, turned around and went home. I’m planning on running 16 miles tomorrow. Whatever happens, I will blog to let you know what happens. Hopefully my Brooks Ghost 4s will be on my porch when I get home tonight…
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Family Thing
I am so glad that my mom finally joined me on this blog! One of the best things about Marathon training for me has been that I know I am not doing it alone. Even though my mom and sister don't live close, we are all in our own way preparing for the 26.2 miles.
My mom and I were talking about our training the other day, and she mentioned how the house just isn't going to be as clean while she is marathon training. Today, I returned the book The Paris Wife to the library that I only read half of...it was due early because it is a new bestseller and there is a waiting list. I also returned Water For Elephants to the library half read for the same reason. Marathon training takes a lot of time, and something has to give.
My husband and three boys have really stepped up to help and support me while I train. My long Saturday runs take the most time, and usually I need a long shower, and then a really long nap afterwards and I am useless for most of the day.
This last Saturday I ran 7 miles to a park with my dog. My husband and three kids were waiting at the park to take the dog and hand me a bottle of water. I handed off the dog without even stopping and then ran an additional 12 miles down to the ocean, for a whopping grand total of 19 miles! And the best part, was that playing on the rocks by the beach when I got there, were my boys and hubby. They had a banana and some gatorade there for me. I went in to the water to cool my muscles and of course all three boys joined in - we were all in our clothes and all soaking wet! It was so fun to play with them at the beach and I am terrible at "Playing" sometimes which is bad, but true. This way, I felt like I was doing necessary icing of muscles, and they felt like mom was swimming in the ocean with her clothes on. It was win, win.
After we left the beach we stopped at Starbucks for some more much-needed calcium and sugar (a pumpkin spice latte) and scones for the kids. I felt very blessed to have my family (and even my dog) to be along side me for my run!
So apart from the 19 miler (at about 9:50 a mile) I also ran 8 miles today (at a 9:15) and I feel great! I am still a little bummed that I will probably be significantly slower in Athens, but for now I am having fun. This is supposed to be a rest week for me so tomorrow I have to run 4 miles and then only 2 the day after that. Soon enough though I will be doing subsequent 18, 19 and 20 mile runs and then a shorter run and then the marathon! Time is flying!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
I will not be "de-feeted"
Ask any one of my children about a negative childhood memory, and they will come up with plenty. Like eyewitnesses to a crime, however, their recollections will vary as will the importance that they assign to each memory. If there is any consensus it's that none of them view with fondness the number of times I waved my feet at them and said'"please...", the nightly ritual of me begging for a foot rub and them averting their eyes, listing homework that needed to be done, and finally one of them negotiating a deal. Yes, sometimes when all else failed, I paid my children to rub my feet.
I don't remember a time when my feet didn't hurt. My children's father, my first husband was a gem and rubbed my feet almost everynight-I wasn't able to keep that in the divorce settlement.... So the chore fell to the girls and like I mentioned, it could be hit and miss with them (although their memories probably indicate otherwise).
My love of over 18 years, my second and last husband falls somewhere in between. Sometimes he unsolicitedly sits down, grabs some lotion and provides an hour of foot rubbing bliss. Other times he averts his eyes, fakes sleep, or negotiates a deal. Yes, sometimes I pay my husband to rub my feet.
So now that I am training for this bucket list event in Athens, I have needed foot attention more than ever. I did my part-I went to the podiatrist who looked at the X-rays and said, "Whoa, these are some messed up feet!" or something kind of like that. I convinced him that I was open to anything shy of amputation after the race if he would slap a band-aid on them for now. The band-aid turned out to be orthotics and Aleve, not too bad a combination really. But a bandaid only sticks so long; my feet are in agony after anything after 10 miles.
My daughter Sara has described one solution to the foot massage dilemma. I think I'll play the "I'm older and have more insurance" card-remember Kathy Bates in Fried Green Tomatoes? Starting tomorrow, I'm checking out the foot massage (really they exist!) parlors in my town. Let's hope they take Blue Cross!
I don't remember a time when my feet didn't hurt. My children's father, my first husband was a gem and rubbed my feet almost everynight-I wasn't able to keep that in the divorce settlement.... So the chore fell to the girls and like I mentioned, it could be hit and miss with them (although their memories probably indicate otherwise).
My love of over 18 years, my second and last husband falls somewhere in between. Sometimes he unsolicitedly sits down, grabs some lotion and provides an hour of foot rubbing bliss. Other times he averts his eyes, fakes sleep, or negotiates a deal. Yes, sometimes I pay my husband to rub my feet.
So now that I am training for this bucket list event in Athens, I have needed foot attention more than ever. I did my part-I went to the podiatrist who looked at the X-rays and said, "Whoa, these are some messed up feet!" or something kind of like that. I convinced him that I was open to anything shy of amputation after the race if he would slap a band-aid on them for now. The band-aid turned out to be orthotics and Aleve, not too bad a combination really. But a bandaid only sticks so long; my feet are in agony after anything after 10 miles.
My daughter Sara has described one solution to the foot massage dilemma. I think I'll play the "I'm older and have more insurance" card-remember Kathy Bates in Fried Green Tomatoes? Starting tomorrow, I'm checking out the foot massage (really they exist!) parlors in my town. Let's hope they take Blue Cross!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Poor Man's Massage
My marathon training schedule has me running three days, day off, two days, day off. The three days are not too bad - this week was 8 miles, 3 miles with sprints and then 9.2 miles. Each run is fine, but somehow you add them all up and I am SORE by that rest day! After the rest I get to run 5 miles easy and then my long run. Tomorrow is my long run which will hopefully be 17 miles.
The last few weeks I have been super sore in my upper shoulders and neck and a friend suggested I go get deep tissue massage - unfortunately there is no money in my running fund for massage as it all just went to new shoes. And by the way, the older you get, the more important it is to get new shoes often to help prevent injury and soreness.
So in case you are a runner and you are sore and you don't have money for deep tissue massage, here is what I did last night.
First, I used a golf ball in a sock and rolled the bottom of my foot down on it to give the bottom of my foot a nice deep massage.
Next, I used a tennis ball in a sock (a bigger sock) and put it on the wall behind my back and shoulders, and sort of rolled it around my back while pushing on the wall - does that make sense? I did realize at one point that I was in my room with the light on and the window open so the neighbors might see and think I was pretending to be a bear scratching my back on a tree. Because that is what you look like. But my shoulders got a great massage from that!
Lastly, I used a stick to roll the muscles in my calves and quads. Admittedly, I have a fancy "runner stick" now to roll those muscles - a birthday gift/hand me down from a friend. But before I had the fancy stick, I had a plain ol rolling pin which wasnt the best but did just fine.
After the massage I put ice on my shoulders and my hubby said I looked like a linebacker and wondered if I could possibly be comfortable but I felt deep massage sore and not plain old sore which felt great!
I think we are about 7 weeks out now. Things are getting serious and I hope I live to tell you about the long run tomorrow. Thanks for stopping in!
The last few weeks I have been super sore in my upper shoulders and neck and a friend suggested I go get deep tissue massage - unfortunately there is no money in my running fund for massage as it all just went to new shoes. And by the way, the older you get, the more important it is to get new shoes often to help prevent injury and soreness.
So in case you are a runner and you are sore and you don't have money for deep tissue massage, here is what I did last night.
First, I used a golf ball in a sock and rolled the bottom of my foot down on it to give the bottom of my foot a nice deep massage.
Next, I used a tennis ball in a sock (a bigger sock) and put it on the wall behind my back and shoulders, and sort of rolled it around my back while pushing on the wall - does that make sense? I did realize at one point that I was in my room with the light on and the window open so the neighbors might see and think I was pretending to be a bear scratching my back on a tree. Because that is what you look like. But my shoulders got a great massage from that!
Lastly, I used a stick to roll the muscles in my calves and quads. Admittedly, I have a fancy "runner stick" now to roll those muscles - a birthday gift/hand me down from a friend. But before I had the fancy stick, I had a plain ol rolling pin which wasnt the best but did just fine.
After the massage I put ice on my shoulders and my hubby said I looked like a linebacker and wondered if I could possibly be comfortable but I felt deep massage sore and not plain old sore which felt great!
I think we are about 7 weeks out now. Things are getting serious and I hope I live to tell you about the long run tomorrow. Thanks for stopping in!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Life and Planning
It takes a lot of time and planning to train for a marathon. And sometimes life just doesn't go along with the plan. For instance, last week my husband's schedule was not set. On Saturday I had planned to run a longish run, but he ended up needing to work. So I ran on Sunday, 9 miles and squeezed them in before church and Disneyland (we have passes...to Disneyland, not church). I get two hours of childcare at the Y, but once I drop off my four year old, get outside to run and then cool down, the most I can run is 10 miles in that time. So as a result of life's twists and turns including my middle son's 9th birthday falling on Wednesday, his hookie day and then his sleepover with five friends on Friday night, Marathon training took a bit of a hit. Not a terrible hit, mind you, but just some readjustments. I ended up mostly running 6 mile runs with a couple 9-10 mile runs. Today though, I did 16. Yay! This does bring up the planning bit again, though.
Back in the old days, when I was training for a 10K (6 miles), I really didnt need to do much planning. I could run a couple miles at a time, did not need to carry a meal with me or water or look for a bathroom. All of that is a bit more important when you get to marathon training distances of 10 miles or more. But now I am finding, that I need to do even MORE planning. For instance, if I am running 16 miles, but did not drink enough water the day before, or "carb up" in advance, then I have a harder time on the run. I also need to carve 3 hours out of my day instead of 2 once I am at the 16 plus stage of training. Soon enough it could be 4 hours out of my day.
I do not have enough pairs of "chafe free" shorts and shirts to get me through the week anymore. When every work out is 6 miles or more, the cheap gym clothes that I still possess from college days, just don't cut it. So instead of buying new clothes, I bought "Body Glide" which looks like a stick of deoderant only it costs 10 times more and you rub it all over including your underarms and anywhere else you dont want chafing. I have to say, I used it today and it works! Hooray for planning.
I did forget to have my hand held water bottle (since the belt one from the cheap-o mega store didnt work for me) ready. I couldnt find it and ended up borrowing my four year old's Optimus Prime Transformer Water Bottle. And to be honest, it worked for me. I felt like I kicked butt on todays run. Of course I now have a pain in my butt, and my knees, and feet. Ow.
Since this blog is really partly to journal my experience here is the nitty gritty of the last week - I ran 9 miles, then 10, then 6 with some sprints, then ran 3 uphill and then biked at the gym and read "The Paris Wife." My last long run was almost two weeks ago now and it was my 16 miler with mostly uphills and nearly a 12 minute mile. I walked a mile of that one. Today I ran the entire thing and did it in 10 minute miles so I figure that is pretty good. Granted, I am REALLY sore today, more so than usual. We will see how I feel tomorrow. Hopefully I can get my 17 mile run in next week, and then I think I get a rest week where my longest is only 10. Hard to believe 10 used to be the goal. Hope to hear from my mom and sis on this blog soon, I swear they exist!
Right now I am sitting with ice packs on my knees. Signing off for now. Did I mention that last night my house was full of LOUD 9 year olds? Hoping that might help get me ready for the jet lag I will have in Athens. :)
Back in the old days, when I was training for a 10K (6 miles), I really didnt need to do much planning. I could run a couple miles at a time, did not need to carry a meal with me or water or look for a bathroom. All of that is a bit more important when you get to marathon training distances of 10 miles or more. But now I am finding, that I need to do even MORE planning. For instance, if I am running 16 miles, but did not drink enough water the day before, or "carb up" in advance, then I have a harder time on the run. I also need to carve 3 hours out of my day instead of 2 once I am at the 16 plus stage of training. Soon enough it could be 4 hours out of my day.
I do not have enough pairs of "chafe free" shorts and shirts to get me through the week anymore. When every work out is 6 miles or more, the cheap gym clothes that I still possess from college days, just don't cut it. So instead of buying new clothes, I bought "Body Glide" which looks like a stick of deoderant only it costs 10 times more and you rub it all over including your underarms and anywhere else you dont want chafing. I have to say, I used it today and it works! Hooray for planning.
I did forget to have my hand held water bottle (since the belt one from the cheap-o mega store didnt work for me) ready. I couldnt find it and ended up borrowing my four year old's Optimus Prime Transformer Water Bottle. And to be honest, it worked for me. I felt like I kicked butt on todays run. Of course I now have a pain in my butt, and my knees, and feet. Ow.
Since this blog is really partly to journal my experience here is the nitty gritty of the last week - I ran 9 miles, then 10, then 6 with some sprints, then ran 3 uphill and then biked at the gym and read "The Paris Wife." My last long run was almost two weeks ago now and it was my 16 miler with mostly uphills and nearly a 12 minute mile. I walked a mile of that one. Today I ran the entire thing and did it in 10 minute miles so I figure that is pretty good. Granted, I am REALLY sore today, more so than usual. We will see how I feel tomorrow. Hopefully I can get my 17 mile run in next week, and then I think I get a rest week where my longest is only 10. Hard to believe 10 used to be the goal. Hope to hear from my mom and sis on this blog soon, I swear they exist!
Right now I am sitting with ice packs on my knees. Signing off for now. Did I mention that last night my house was full of LOUD 9 year olds? Hoping that might help get me ready for the jet lag I will have in Athens. :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Running Recipes and Retrospect
My mom was a runner for most of my childhood, and I know I have her to "thank" for my running habits now. As a youngish "tween" girl, she used to have me join her on runs, either on foot or on my bike. Usually I would whine, and cry, and yell and threaten to go home (pre-pubescent hormones and the obligatory be-mad-at-your-mother reflexes and all...). My mom valued health and wanted me to be active. I was naturally the kid who chain-read books on the couch all summer long - books like Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown, and the Choose Your Own Adventure Series (I always read every ending first). In order to get me off the couch, she forced me to go running with her.
My primary role on these runs, of course, was to protect her in case a rabid dog, or a spider, or any other scary creature might come out at her while she was exercising. I guess her thought might have been similar to that of the airplane rule..you know...put on your own gas mask before you put one on your children. She probably figured if I was the one badly maimed in a dog attack, that she would be better able to take care of me after. Or something like that.
The funny thing is, now as a 36 year old woman, I was out running with my mom while visiting up north last month. Some very loud, barky dogs came running out at us, and I was happy to know that after all these years, my role is still very much intact.
Anyhow, the one thing that made running totally worth it for me (or maybe I should say remotely worth it...) were the post-run smoothies and the cold pasta salads that my mom would make when she was putting in the miles. A couple days ago, I had both a smoothie, and a pasta salad on the same day. My boys all love them and I smiled at the thought that even 25 years later, I can still enjoy foods from back then. When I was 11, I was completely unaware of a need to get carbs and protein into my body within 30 minutes of running. I didn't know about carb loading. Maybe my mom did, but all I knew is that the food was yummy and it made me feel good after expending all that energy driving my mother crazy (and running too).
Below are the two recipes I use that are most tied to the past for me. I have made some changes, but not too many. In later posts I will put other favorites I have discovered over the years. But for now, these are a nod to longevity and the memories that can come from a taste.
Smoothie THEN
1 frozen banana
1 container fruit yogurt
1 cup OJ
Blend and drink!
Smoothie UPDATED
1 frozen banana
1 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
1/2-1 cup frozen or fresh fruit - mangos, strawberries, blueberries, etc
3/4 cup OJ
(sometimes a scoop of vanilla protein powder)
Blend and drink!
PASTA SALAD
(the only difference is the type of pasta)
Whole wheat pasta noodles - rotini, spaghetti, whatever
chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and green onion
low fat mozzerella sticks cut up
favorite Italian salad dressing added to taste (I like bernsteins from Costco)
cook pasta, rinse under cold water, mix with the rest and enjoy!
You can add any veggies you want - I added roasted eggplant and some parsley the other day and sometimes garbanzo beans too.
These are not scientific but are easy and good and have stood the test of time. Heres to passing on a healthy legacy to our kids!
My primary role on these runs, of course, was to protect her in case a rabid dog, or a spider, or any other scary creature might come out at her while she was exercising. I guess her thought might have been similar to that of the airplane rule..you know...put on your own gas mask before you put one on your children. She probably figured if I was the one badly maimed in a dog attack, that she would be better able to take care of me after. Or something like that.
The funny thing is, now as a 36 year old woman, I was out running with my mom while visiting up north last month. Some very loud, barky dogs came running out at us, and I was happy to know that after all these years, my role is still very much intact.
Anyhow, the one thing that made running totally worth it for me (or maybe I should say remotely worth it...) were the post-run smoothies and the cold pasta salads that my mom would make when she was putting in the miles. A couple days ago, I had both a smoothie, and a pasta salad on the same day. My boys all love them and I smiled at the thought that even 25 years later, I can still enjoy foods from back then. When I was 11, I was completely unaware of a need to get carbs and protein into my body within 30 minutes of running. I didn't know about carb loading. Maybe my mom did, but all I knew is that the food was yummy and it made me feel good after expending all that energy driving my mother crazy (and running too).
Below are the two recipes I use that are most tied to the past for me. I have made some changes, but not too many. In later posts I will put other favorites I have discovered over the years. But for now, these are a nod to longevity and the memories that can come from a taste.
Smoothie THEN
1 frozen banana
1 container fruit yogurt
1 cup OJ
Blend and drink!
Smoothie UPDATED
1 frozen banana
1 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
1/2-1 cup frozen or fresh fruit - mangos, strawberries, blueberries, etc
3/4 cup OJ
(sometimes a scoop of vanilla protein powder)
Blend and drink!
PASTA SALAD
(the only difference is the type of pasta)
Whole wheat pasta noodles - rotini, spaghetti, whatever
chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and green onion
low fat mozzerella sticks cut up
favorite Italian salad dressing added to taste (I like bernsteins from Costco)
cook pasta, rinse under cold water, mix with the rest and enjoy!
You can add any veggies you want - I added roasted eggplant and some parsley the other day and sometimes garbanzo beans too.
These are not scientific but are easy and good and have stood the test of time. Heres to passing on a healthy legacy to our kids!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sweet 16 and Lessons Learned
Well, my oh so sweet hubby changed his work schedule for me (went in at 9 am) so that I could get a long run in this week. Yay! The bad news, is that when, at mile 8, I was completely done running for the day, I felt guilty quitting when he so kindly stayed home so I could run.. Darn.
16 is a big number for me. In fact, when I turned 16 years old, my mom played "16 candles" on the cassette player (for those readers under the age of 20, just Google cassette player and if necessary also Google "16 candles"). She also had no lighter for my birthday candle so instead set a piece of paper on fire at the stove, almost burning down the house. Hmm, I think that was also the year she gave me a TV for my birthday, when I wanted a pair of shoes. I was not a gracious 16 year old, and did not receive the gift well. Turns out she didnt have any money for a gift but could get a credit card to an electronics store, hence the TV. As an adult I have had to grovel and seek forgiveness for that one...eek. Sometimes life's lessons require some time to be learned.
16 also happens to be the year I got my first boyfriend, took my SAT's, did NOT take my driving test and continued to mooch rides off my friends, and 16 is also the number of times I said "This really stinks..." while I ran this morning's run.
Well that last part might not be true. I think I said it more like 100 times.
I took off at 5:45 am and took the dog. Lesson #1. My dog has control issues and likes to exert his control over the situation by pooping on the sidewalk while I am running. This forces me to stop, spew out some unpleasant words*** his way, and clean up after him while he gets to rest and pee on the lamposts. (***FYI I do not swear, so when I talk about "swearing" just think phrases like phooey poo head dingo, dagnabbit, holy camoley, and "this really stinks...")
I had to go pee by 6:00 am. Really bad. Lesson #2. The public bathrooms in the park are still locked at 6:00 am.
I was trying out a new "butt water thingee" which I think is the name given by the author of a book my mom got me. Lesson #3. Do not buy the cheap-o "butt water thingees" from mega stores. They shift around and the water bottle hits you on the elbow. The water bottle sloshes around reminding you for 8 miles how bad you have to pee. They make you look like a complete dork. (okay well I dont think there is an option of NOT looking like a complete dork once you start getting into higher mileage...you have to run with a day's supply of food and water attached to your body somehow..you wear those breatheable and not stylish running hats, and you have embarrassing sweat spots in weird places...).
I was running up the hardest and longest hills I could find in the area, because I am now officially intimidated by the thought of those big fat Greek hills. Lesson #4. Ouchie Mama. Oh and running down hill didn't help my wobbly legs too much either. Guess that was Lesson #5?
The good news is that I finished the 16 miles in one piece, a little sore and a little sleepy. I was good and had a smoothie to finish the run. I had to walk part of the last 1.5 miles, so will probably try again with no walking. I don't have a goal to run the entire Athens Marathon since I dont know what those hills will do to me but I figure I will train to run if I can.
Kudos to my sis Naomi who ran her first half marathon this weekend to prepare for the Marathon! And to my mom who had a super long run over the weekend too. Mom got a Google account so you should be hearing from her soon!
Now it's time for a nap. All three of my boys are at a playdate at my saint of a friends so that I can sneak in a snooze. Yay!
16 is a big number for me. In fact, when I turned 16 years old, my mom played "16 candles" on the cassette player (for those readers under the age of 20, just Google cassette player and if necessary also Google "16 candles"). She also had no lighter for my birthday candle so instead set a piece of paper on fire at the stove, almost burning down the house. Hmm, I think that was also the year she gave me a TV for my birthday, when I wanted a pair of shoes. I was not a gracious 16 year old, and did not receive the gift well. Turns out she didnt have any money for a gift but could get a credit card to an electronics store, hence the TV. As an adult I have had to grovel and seek forgiveness for that one...eek. Sometimes life's lessons require some time to be learned.
16 also happens to be the year I got my first boyfriend, took my SAT's, did NOT take my driving test and continued to mooch rides off my friends, and 16 is also the number of times I said "This really stinks..." while I ran this morning's run.
Well that last part might not be true. I think I said it more like 100 times.
I took off at 5:45 am and took the dog. Lesson #1. My dog has control issues and likes to exert his control over the situation by pooping on the sidewalk while I am running. This forces me to stop, spew out some unpleasant words*** his way, and clean up after him while he gets to rest and pee on the lamposts. (***FYI I do not swear, so when I talk about "swearing" just think phrases like phooey poo head dingo, dagnabbit, holy camoley, and "this really stinks...")
I had to go pee by 6:00 am. Really bad. Lesson #2. The public bathrooms in the park are still locked at 6:00 am.
I was trying out a new "butt water thingee" which I think is the name given by the author of a book my mom got me. Lesson #3. Do not buy the cheap-o "butt water thingees" from mega stores. They shift around and the water bottle hits you on the elbow. The water bottle sloshes around reminding you for 8 miles how bad you have to pee. They make you look like a complete dork. (okay well I dont think there is an option of NOT looking like a complete dork once you start getting into higher mileage...you have to run with a day's supply of food and water attached to your body somehow..you wear those breatheable and not stylish running hats, and you have embarrassing sweat spots in weird places...).
I was running up the hardest and longest hills I could find in the area, because I am now officially intimidated by the thought of those big fat Greek hills. Lesson #4. Ouchie Mama. Oh and running down hill didn't help my wobbly legs too much either. Guess that was Lesson #5?
The good news is that I finished the 16 miles in one piece, a little sore and a little sleepy. I was good and had a smoothie to finish the run. I had to walk part of the last 1.5 miles, so will probably try again with no walking. I don't have a goal to run the entire Athens Marathon since I dont know what those hills will do to me but I figure I will train to run if I can.
Kudos to my sis Naomi who ran her first half marathon this weekend to prepare for the Marathon! And to my mom who had a super long run over the weekend too. Mom got a Google account so you should be hearing from her soon!
Now it's time for a nap. All three of my boys are at a playdate at my saint of a friends so that I can sneak in a snooze. Yay!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
No, I am not describing the three "Girls on the Run" here although if I were I better call myself ugly because my mom and sister are not "girls" to mess with. And, I am not a fan of conflict and would rather be the ugly one, than find myself offending my good "Hollyanna" mother or my "bad to the bone" sis who has fought in Iraq and trained cadets in boot camp. Hmm, I guess the title does mostly work, although I still dont know how the ugly part fits. Unless we are talking about how my abs have split down the middle after three pregnancies and resemble a butt more than a belly...and the stretch marks...
I digress.
The good, the bad and the ugly of marathon training. To date. I will probably come up with more as the date gets nearer and my mileage increases but here are some observations, experiences and opinions of the past 8 weeks. (BTW, I have completely lost count of what week I am on training - wise...life has not allowed me to follow my schedule to the tee, which my mother will tell you is a bit like slow torture for me. )
Good: My muscle tone is great
Bad: My quads will not squeeze themselves into any pair of pants that I own
Ugly: my belly has not improved with my running efforts!
Good: Chocolate Gu, lemon Gu
Bad: the fact that I talk about a substance called "Gu" and that there are other sort of normal people out there that also know what the heck I am talking about
Ugly, very Ugly: Mixed Berry Gu, which (I so noted on FB) tastes remarkably similar to the goopy icky flouride treatment I used to get as a kid at the dentists office. And really, marathon training is hard enough - there should be NO reminders of the dentist's office while training for a marathon. It should be a rule.
Good: Finishing my longest run to date, which will happen quite frequently now that I am upping my mileage each week - yay us!
Bad: 95 degree SO Cal days and the prospect of a 15 mile run
Ugly: Wondering how many skunks and cayotes I will have to fight as I leave the house before the sun rises...
Okay now some random ones, not set in that cute order..
Bad - hubby working around the clock and no one to watch the 4 year old while I attempt to run
Bad - needing to eat, drink and pee while running - this is why marathon training is crazy and unnatural
Bad - my obsession with fact finding, and the fun little forum I found on runners who have done the athens marathon in the past...and the fact that people run the Athens Marathon REALLY SLOWLY...because there are like, 1000 hills to climb. Great.
Ugly - chafing that didnt happen at 10 miles that suddenly happens at 14. Anything that is cotton is BAD, including unmentionables...FYI
Bad - apparently anything that is cotton, including unmentionables (see above)
Bad - that I am a pastor's wife and that I am mentioning chafing unmentionables in a blog.
Good - not too many people read this blog.
**Runners Log (wow that sounds really cheesy and Treky but I will come up with a better name later) - Ran 6 miles on the treadmill at the Y today with the three boys in child care. Simulated Hill Running and got the lactic acid goin...Drank a ton of water. Realized I am limited to two hour runs for the next two weeks due to hubby's work schedule and fact that I cannot leave my 4 year old at home alone.
I digress.
The good, the bad and the ugly of marathon training. To date. I will probably come up with more as the date gets nearer and my mileage increases but here are some observations, experiences and opinions of the past 8 weeks. (BTW, I have completely lost count of what week I am on training - wise...life has not allowed me to follow my schedule to the tee, which my mother will tell you is a bit like slow torture for me. )
Good: My muscle tone is great
Bad: My quads will not squeeze themselves into any pair of pants that I own
Ugly: my belly has not improved with my running efforts!
Good: Chocolate Gu, lemon Gu
Bad: the fact that I talk about a substance called "Gu" and that there are other sort of normal people out there that also know what the heck I am talking about
Ugly, very Ugly: Mixed Berry Gu, which (I so noted on FB) tastes remarkably similar to the goopy icky flouride treatment I used to get as a kid at the dentists office. And really, marathon training is hard enough - there should be NO reminders of the dentist's office while training for a marathon. It should be a rule.
Good: Finishing my longest run to date, which will happen quite frequently now that I am upping my mileage each week - yay us!
Bad: 95 degree SO Cal days and the prospect of a 15 mile run
Ugly: Wondering how many skunks and cayotes I will have to fight as I leave the house before the sun rises...
Okay now some random ones, not set in that cute order..
Bad - hubby working around the clock and no one to watch the 4 year old while I attempt to run
Bad - needing to eat, drink and pee while running - this is why marathon training is crazy and unnatural
Bad - my obsession with fact finding, and the fun little forum I found on runners who have done the athens marathon in the past...and the fact that people run the Athens Marathon REALLY SLOWLY...because there are like, 1000 hills to climb. Great.
Ugly - chafing that didnt happen at 10 miles that suddenly happens at 14. Anything that is cotton is BAD, including unmentionables...FYI
Bad - apparently anything that is cotton, including unmentionables (see above)
Bad - that I am a pastor's wife and that I am mentioning chafing unmentionables in a blog.
Good - not too many people read this blog.
**Runners Log (wow that sounds really cheesy and Treky but I will come up with a better name later) - Ran 6 miles on the treadmill at the Y today with the three boys in child care. Simulated Hill Running and got the lactic acid goin...Drank a ton of water. Realized I am limited to two hour runs for the next two weeks due to hubby's work schedule and fact that I cannot leave my 4 year old at home alone.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Every Race starts with a Step...
...And every blog must start with a word!! (or in this case a ...) So here we go, a few weeks late in getting started as I can be a procrastinator. My name is Sara, and I am a 36 year old (ahem...) Girl, planning to run my first marathon this November. My sister, Naomi is another of the "Girls" on the run (I wont list her age here in case she wants that private, but fyi she is my baby sister). Our mother, Holly, is the third "Girl" on the run who while is old enough to be our mother, definitely doesn't look it.
The purpose of this blog is to journal our journey, our trials and our triumphs as we trek our way towards our maiden marathon. Hopefully all three of us will participate in the blog, and possibly even annoy (or amuse) one another by our unique writing, and running styles along the way.
The marathon we have chosen as our first, is considered one of the most difficult in the world, but is also modeled after the original route, run 2501 years ago in the country of Greece. We are traveling to Athens from three locations: me from California, my sister from the East Coast, and our mom will be heading there from the Pacific Northwest. As we continue to add to this blog, we will fill you, the reader (ie, our hubbies and maybe our mothers, heehee) in on more details.
As of this blog entry, there are 72 days and 11 hours of torture...err, training left till our big day. My left big toe is sore and my neck is sore. I ran 6 miles at 9.30 pace in 90 degree heat today on shaded trails. Thought I was going to die. To date I have gained one pound which is to be expected after burning thousands and thousands of calories running five days a week. My longest run has been 14 miles. I wear Brooks Ravenna. I may be the only contributor to this blog but hopefully my sis and mom will chime in as well - I will just make things up about them until they feel they need to set the record straight. Thanks for checking in!
The purpose of this blog is to journal our journey, our trials and our triumphs as we trek our way towards our maiden marathon. Hopefully all three of us will participate in the blog, and possibly even annoy (or amuse) one another by our unique writing, and running styles along the way.
The marathon we have chosen as our first, is considered one of the most difficult in the world, but is also modeled after the original route, run 2501 years ago in the country of Greece. We are traveling to Athens from three locations: me from California, my sister from the East Coast, and our mom will be heading there from the Pacific Northwest. As we continue to add to this blog, we will fill you, the reader (ie, our hubbies and maybe our mothers, heehee) in on more details.
As of this blog entry, there are 72 days and 11 hours of torture...err, training left till our big day. My left big toe is sore and my neck is sore. I ran 6 miles at 9.30 pace in 90 degree heat today on shaded trails. Thought I was going to die. To date I have gained one pound which is to be expected after burning thousands and thousands of calories running five days a week. My longest run has been 14 miles. I wear Brooks Ravenna. I may be the only contributor to this blog but hopefully my sis and mom will chime in as well - I will just make things up about them until they feel they need to set the record straight. Thanks for checking in!
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